Zara's eyes widened as she stepped into the room. Valeria lay on the couch motionless, her chest rising and falling with each gentle breath. But Valeria wasn't the problem, it was the bed that caught Zara's attention. Only one side had been slept in, the other side still neatly made, as if untouched. Zara's mind began to whirl with questions. Why was Valeria sleeping on the couch and not on the bed? Had she and Valtor had a fight? The silence between them seemed oppressive, heavy with unspoken words. She took quiet steps, her eyes scanning the room for any sign of disturbance. The bed's untouched side seemed like a message, a message of separation. Zara's thoughts swirled with possibilities. Something didn't seem right, but she couldn't quite place her fingers around it yet. Her gaze drifted to the balcony door, slightly ajar. Curiosity drew her outside. The cool morning air enveloped her as she pushed open the door. A pillow on the chair caught her attention. She bent, inhali
Still reeling from the earlier commotion, Zara asked the maid to set the table while they retreated to freshen up for lunch. Meanwhile, Annie ascended the stairs, her expression troubled. She entered Alpha Kael's mother's room, her concern palpable. Alpha Kael's mother sensed Annie's unease and immediately grew worried. "Annie, child, what's wrong?" she asked, her voice laced with concern. "Why do you look so troubled." Annie sat beside her, collecting her thoughts. "If you had seen what I saw earlier Mother, you'd be as troubled as i am right now." Annie said, her voice barely above a whisper. Alpha Kael's mother leaned in, curiosity etched on her face. "Please, Annie, elaborate. What exactly is troubling you?" Annie hesitated, choosing her words carefully. "I went downstairs to see what the maids were preparing for lunch and on my way down i heard laughters and sounds in the kitchen and decided to see what was going on. And then, I saw Karan and Valeria and Zara
The household was eerily quiet, as if everyone had simultaneously retreated to their own worlds. Annie and Alpha Kael's mother remained in their respective rooms, lost in thought. Vandora and Lucilia had escaped to the shopping mall, seeking distraction from the tension. Zara's door remained firmly shut, a silent barrier between her and the world. Karan had sought solace at the orphanage, surrounded by innocent smiles. Valeria too had gone to see her dad and hopefully a get a breath of fresh air. But Valtor's whereabouts remained Unknown since he had just stormed out, his absence as unsettling as his presence. At the orphanage, Karan stood transfixed, watching the children's laughter-filled soccer game. Enoch approached from behind, his walking stick tapping softly on the ground. "You look troubled, my friend," Enoch said, his voice warm and wise, as he stood beside Karan. Karan turned, a hint of curiosity on his face. "What makes you say that Enoch?" Enoch smil
Karan's vision blurred as he stumbled backward, Valtor's blow still resonating across his cheek. Valeria's gasp hung in the air, her eyes wide with horror. Zara rushed to Karan's side, her voice shaking. "Karan, oh goodness you're bleeding. What is wrong with you Valtor?" She yelled almost in tears. Karan's hand instinctively touched his stinging lips were there was blood, his gaze locked onto Valtor's. Valtor's face twisted in a snarl, his eyes blazing with drunken fury. As Valtor charged at Karan, his fists clenched, the two men clashed in a flurry of punches. The air echoed with grunts and crashing furniture. Zara screamed, Valeria could do nothing other than cover her mouth in shock. Just as it seemed like the brawl would escalate, Annie stepped forward, her petite frame commanding attention. With a stern expression, Annie delivered swift, sharp slaps to both Valtor's and Karan's faces. "Stop this madness right now!" Annie exclaimed, her voice firm but trembli
Days blended together as Karan and Valeria continued their clandestine trysts, stealing moments whenever darkness fell. Their love grew stronger with each passing night. During the day, they maintained a facade of normalcy and Zara's watchful eyes and clever excuses often provided the perfect cover. "Let's go for a walk," Zara would say, casually inviting Valeria to join her and Karan on some errand or other. As they strolled, Zara would conveniently lag behind or divert her attention, granting Karan and Valeria fleeting moments of privacy. Their whispers, laughter, and stolen glances became a familiar rhythm for her. Under the light of the full moon, their nighttime escapades became more frequent. They'd slip away to hidden clearings, sharing secrets and dreams. Valeria's heart now beat in tandem with Karan's, their love blooming with each passing seconds. For the first time in Valeria's life, love felt truly unconditional. Despite the forbidden nature of their relation
The next morning, Karan sensed something off about Valeria. Her usual warmth and responsiveness were replaced by an unsettling silence. He couldn't quite put his finger on it, but his instincts screamed that something was amiss. Assuming she'd open up later or he would ask about it, Karan pushed aside his concerns, focusing on his daily routine. However, as night fell, Valeria's continued radio silence grew more alarming. No replies to his texts, no missed calls, no whispers of explanation. The void was deafening. Karan's unease deepened, his mind racing with worst-case scenarios. Where was Valeria? Why wasn't she responding? Karan's mind was a jumbled mess, his thoughts racing with concern. Had he inadvertently upset Valeria the previous night? He replayed their last conversation, but nothing stood out as amiss. They'd parted ways on a warm, tender note. As he entered the kitchen, he spotted Valeria standing alone, her back to him. The soft glow of the evening lights danced
No one could grasp the reason behind Valtor's sudden descent into brutality. With a fierce grip, he seized Zara's arm, his anger boiling over. "You really don't want to know the wrath you'll face if you defy me, Zara," he snarled. "Apologize now and marry the suitor I choose for you." Zara stood unwavering, her response unapologetic and fearless. "I'd rather die than marry a lunatic like yourself." Valtor's laughter echoed through the room, a chilling, manic sound. "Your wish is my command, Lady Zara." With a sinister smile, he signaled to a nearby guard. "Take her to the cell." As the guards dragged Zara away, she locked eyes with the family, their horrified gazes a reflection of the chaos unfolding. Valeria knew she had to act swiftly, for the happiness of her loved ones hung in the balance. "Have you lost all reason, Valtor?" Annie demanded, her voice echoing through the hall as she watched the guards disappear with Zara. "Release her this instant! I am the Alpha, and m
Sophia Noel sat at the restaurant, lost in thought as she prepared to leave. But her peaceful moment was disrupted when Aiden Scott burst through the door, his eyes fixed on his phone and In a split second, they collided, spilling Sophia's drink all over his clothes. "Could this day get any worse than it already is?" Sophia sighed, exasperated. Aiden quickly grabbed a hand towel to dab at the stain, his eyes locking onto Sophia's as he raised his head. "Are you perhaps blind or do you have a serious lack of awareness?" he asked, his tone dripping with sarcasm. Sophia's eyes widened in surprise at his rudeness. "Excuse me Mister, this was an unintentional accident, okay? So, there's really no need to get so grumpy about it." Aiden's eyebrow shot up. "Did you just call me grumpy?" Sophia's confidence shone bright on her face. "You heard me right." " Do you know who I am and what I could do to you?" Aiden said as his expression darkened. Sophia remained unmoved, her voi
As the days turned into weeks, Sophia remained trapped in a cycle of pain. Her heart ached with every passing moment, as deep down, she longed to give Aiden a chance. But the fear of getting her heart broken again paralyzed her, making it impossible for her to take the first step. She yearned to talk to him, to apologize and hope that things could go back to the way they used to be. But every time she thought about reaching out, her doubts and fears resurfaced, holding her back. Sophia was stuck in a state of emotional limbo, unsure of how to move forward or let go of the past. Ava and Mia began to ask questions about why "Uncle Daddy" was no longer visiting them like he used to. "Did you guys have a fight, Mummy?" Ava's little voice asked innocently while their mother prepared them for school. Sophia paused, looking at her girls uncertainly as she searched for the right words. "No, sweetie," Sophia said, trying to sound calm as she packed Ava's hair into a ponytail. "It'
As weeks passed, Ava and Mia grew increasingly close to Aiden, who had seamlessly stepped into a fatherly role. Sophia, however, struggled to bridge the emotional gap. Despite appreciating Aiden's steady presence in their lives, she found it challenging to trust him with her heart, and by extension, her children's hearts. One evening, as Sophia was putting the kids to bed, Aiden appeared in the doorway, his eyes locked on hers. 'What's going on, Sophia?' he asked, his voice low and husky. 'You've been distant lately. Is everything okay?'" Sophia felt a flutter in her chest as Aiden's eyes held hers. She tried to brush off the sensation, telling herself she was just being paranoid. But as she looked at Aiden, she saw something there that gave her pause. It was a glimmer of genuine concern, of kindness. "What's going on, Sophia?" Aiden repeated, his voice softer now. "You've been distant lately. Is everything okay?" Sophia hesitated, unsure of how to respond. She didn't want to
Saturday morning dawned, bringing a sense of excitement and anticipation. The household sprang to life as everyone rose from their slumber. The morning routine unfolded in harmony brushing teeth, quick showers, and collective efforts to tidy up the house. With the chores done, they gathered around the breakfast table, sharing laughter and conversation over a delicious meal. As breakfast concluded, Fiona led the charge upstairs, eager to help Mia and Ava prepare for their special date with Aiden. "Time to pick out the perfect outfits, girls!" Fiona exclaimed, opening the closet doors to reveal a colorful array of dresses and accessories. Mia and Ava bounced onto the bed, their eyes scanning the options. "Which one, Aunty?" Mia asked, holding up a bright pink dress. Ava chimed in, "No, no! I want to wear my yellow one!" Sophia smiled, happy to see her daughters so carefree. "Let's see... which one will make you feel like princesses today?" She said helping Ava into one of dr
"Sometimes, life isn't about our plans or desires. It's about the unexpected twists that shape our journey. What we don't chase can pursue us, and what we don't choose can select us. I never sought love but love found me. You thought the story ended with my departure? No, it was merely the beginning. Months had passed since I left, and my family and I had built a peaceful life. I had provided for them, and happiness filled our days. But our serenity was short-lived. Aiden's relentless pursuit had finally tracked us down. His private investigator had been searching for over two and a half months. One morning, as I watered the garden, the hose suddenly lost pressure. 'That's odd,' I thought. Our premium subscription ensured uninterrupted service. Curious, I inspected the pipe. Turning the nozzle toward me, water gushed out, drenching me. Startled, I stepped back, heart racing. Something felt off. : I opened my eyes, brushing off the excess water with my hand. That's wh
The following morning, early dawn broke, and the group stirred to life. They quickly got ready, and soon, the sound of footsteps and murmured conversations filled the air. After a swift breakfast, they set off, eager to tackle the day's agenda. As they entered the hall, the group dispersed to their seats. Aiden caught Sophia's gaze, his expression stern. "No drama, please. I'm asking you." He walked away, leaving Sophia to navigate the crowded room. As she made her way to her seat, she collided with someone. Aiden, watching from his seat, shook his head, muttering under his breath, "Why am I not surprised?" Sophia, still reeling from the collision, smiled warmly at the familiar face. "Alex?" Alex beamed,"Sophia " He called out embracing Her. "What a pleasant surprise!" "Indeed" she replied smiling. Sophia's curiosity then got the better of her. "What are you doing here? This isn't your line of work." Alex chuckled. "Actually, my father isn't fully recovered, so I'm filli
Sophia spent the weekend indulging in much-needed relaxation with her siblings. They lounged around the house, watching movies, sharing laughter, and enjoying each other's company. Fiona convinced Sophia to join a spontaneous dance party, and they giggled uncontrollably as they attempted to recreate their favorite music videos. On Sunday, they decided to take a leisurely stroll through the nearby park, soaking up the warm sunshine and fresh air. Sophia felt rejuvenated, letting go of the stress and tension that had built up during the workweek. As the weekend drew to a close, Sophia couldn't help but feel a pang of disappointment. The carefree days were over, and Monday morning loomed ahead. "Time to face the grind again," Sophia sighed, packing her bag for the next day. Her siblings chimed in with words of encouragement, reminding her that a new week brought new opportunities. As Sophia settled into bed, she reflected on the unexpected encounter with Aiden. Their brief inte
After a grueling week of tireless effort, the weekend's arrival was a welcome respite for Sophia. She had poured her heart and soul into her work, and the promise of two blissful days of relaxation was all she needed to recharge. As the day drew to a close, Sophia packed up her belongings and headed home, anticipation building with each passing minute. The familiar sights and sounds of her neighborhood brought a sense of comfort, and she quickened her pace, eager to reunite with her loved ones. Upon entering her cozy home, Sophia was greeted by the warm smiles of her sisters, who had gathered in the living room. Their excited chatter and laughter filled the air, creating an infectious atmosphere of joy. "Sophia's back!" Nancy exclaimed, leaping from the couch to envelop her in a tight hug. "I've missed you so much!" her other sister, Daphne, chimed in, joining the embrace. Sophia's exhaustion melted away as she basked in the love and affection of her family. She took a deep
Sophia followed her daily routine, effortlessly juggling her responsibilities as a single mother. She got her kids ready for school, prepared herself for another day at the office, and arrived at work with time to spare. As she settled in, she began preparing the reports her boss would soon request. Just as Sophia was leaving her office, Aiden was heading in but thankfully the universe didn't let them bump into each other again. Although oblivious to his presence. She breathed a silent sigh of relief, grateful that their paths hadn't crossed... yet. And, as usual, everything was right on time, before the boss's arrival. As Aiden watched Sophia exit the office, a nagging question resurfaced: How is she always present in the company? His thoughts were interrupted by a memory - his mother mentioning she had filled the secretary position and he had been expecting to see who it was. Aiden's curiosity turned to suspicion, and he swiftly changed direction, striding into his mother's offi
The next morning, Sophia's routine kicked into high gear. She hastily prepared herself for another day at the office while simultaneously getting her kids ready for school. Her sisters, who had slept over time bid her farewell as she ushered the children out the door. After dropping them off at school, Sophia continued on to work, the morning sunlight casting a warm glow over the bustling streets. Sophia arrived at the office and promptly made her way to the boss's sanctum, her tasks clear in her mind. She efficiently tidied up the space, organized the documents for the impending meeting, and attended to various other duties outlined in the trusty guidebook. However, her gaze fell upon a noticeable absence on the desk - the boss's coffee. Her heart skipped a beat as she recalled the handbook's emphasis on his punctuality and love for a perfectly brewed cup. With seconds to spare, Sophia hastened to prepare the coffee, her hands moving with a sense of purpose as she raced against the